We do not want to wait one month to marry. What can we do?
You can apply for a shortening of time, but wanting an earlier wedding is not enough on its own. A
Can we include rituals like handfasting, sand ceremonies or unity candles?
Yes. Symbolic rituals can sit alongside the legal elements of your civil wedding. Handfasting, a sand ceremony, a candle or
Do we need to sign anything during the ceremony?
Yes. Immediately after the marriage is solemnised, you, your celebrant and your two witnesses sign the required marriage certificates. In
Is there a minimum or maximum number of guests required?
You do not need wedding guests beyond the two required witnesses. A private ceremony can consist of the couple, authorised
Are there any rules about what we can wear during the ceremony?
Australian civil marriage law does not prescribe a wedding outfit. Formalwear, cultural dress, casual clothes or a theme can all
What happens if our celebrant is sick or unavailable on the day?
A replacement authorised celebrant may be able to take over, including receiving your existing NOIM. Contact your celebrant or their
Can we livestream our wedding or include virtual guests?
Yes, you can livestream the celebration for guests, but the legal marriage cannot take place entirely by video call. The
What should we do if we’ve lost our birth certificates or ID?
Speak to your celebrant early about acceptable alternatives and start any replacement requests promptly. Losing a birth certificate does not
How long does it take to receive our official marriage certificate?
Timing depends on the registry, the application and delivery arrangements. Check the current processing times published by the Registry of
Do we need to rehearse the ceremony beforehand?
A rehearsal is optional, but it can help everyone feel more comfortable. It is particularly useful when there are several
